Electronic Sow Feeders Research Articles

Use of Precision Feeding during Lactation Improves the Productive Yields of Sows and Their Piglets under Commercial Farm Conditions.

Adequate nutritional management in maternities is one of the most challenging aspects of swine production. This study reports the results of two studies aiming to determine, under commercial farm conditions, the effects of precision feeding (electronic sow feeders, ESFs) on the production and economic yields of lactating sows and possible nutritional and metabolic differences when compared to a control group fed with traditional feeders. The first trial showed that sows fed with ESFs weaned heavier piglets than sows fed with traditional feeders. Feed intake during the lactation period was similar in the sows of both groups; consequently, the amount of feed per kg of weaned piglet was lower in the sows fed with ESFs, which is a remarkable economic output. The second trial confirmed these findings and showed that, despite similar feed intakes, the sows fed with ESFs had lower bodyweight losses during the lactation period, but there were no major differences in milk composition or metabolic traits of sows and piglets.

Feeding levels during early gestation in a group-housing system for primiparous sows: Impact on piglet birthweight and litter uniformity.

The current study investigated the impacts of different feeding regimes during early gestation on conception rate, litter traits, piglet birthweight, and litter uniformity in primiparous sows. In total, 108 primiparous sows were inseminated and assigned to either a standard (1.9±0.5 kg/day, S) or high (2.9±0.8 kg/day, H) feeding levels during the first 35 days of gestation. The feeding regimes were categorized based on periods of gestation: 1 to 3, 4 to 15, and 16 to 35 days, resulting in four groups: SSS (n=26), SSH (n=28), SHH (n=28), and HHH (n=26). Afterwards, sows were placed into a group-housed system equipped with electronic sow feeders. The sows were weighed and assessed for backfat thickness and loin muscle depth at 0 and 35 days of gestation. At farrowing, data were collected on the total number of piglets born per litter (TB), piglet birthweights, and the coefficient of variation of piglet birthweights. On average, sows gained 22.5±21.6 kg during the first 35 days of gestation, showing a positive correlation with backfat gain (r=0.954, p=0.006). The backfat gain in the HHH group was higher than in the SSS (p=0.016) and the SSH groups (p=0.023), but did not differ from the SHH group (p=0.684). Conception rates did not show differences among the feeding regimes (p>0.05). Individual piglet birthweights in the HHH group were higher than those in the SSH group (p<0.001). Likewise, the percentage of piglets with birthweights <1000 g in the HHH group was lower than that in the SSH group (p<0.001). However, the variation of piglet birthweight did not differ among the groups (p>0.05). Increasing feeding levels in primiparous sows in a group-housed system during early pregnancy can effectively restore their body condition without any detrimental effects on subsequent litters.

An Internet of Things-Based Cluster System for Monitoring Lactating Sows’ Feed and Water Intake

Acquiring real-time feeding information for monitoring lactating sows and their feeding requirements is a challenging task. Real-time data represent an important input for numerous tasks, such as disease monitoring, nutritional regulation, and feeding modeling. However, concurrently monitoring large numbers of sows and processing the real-time information for modeling is challenging using existing platforms. In this paper, we describe the design and development of a system that monitors and processes sows’ feed and water consumption in real time. The system was custom-developed using open-source networking technologies. The system consists of three components: an electronic sow feeder connected to a central controller via a CAN network, an MQTT service cluster, and a data processing program. The MQTT service cluster uses Netty to develop a single service node, and it uses Zookeeper and Redis to complete node registration, discovery, and scheduling. The data processing program is based on Spark and Flink. We conducted comparative testing of three common codecs (Java Serializer, Marshalling, and Protostuff) to further speed up data transmission. The results of the experiment show that, with three service nodes, the system can concurrently monitor up to 20,000 sows. Moreover, the system achieves optimal performance when monitoring 10,000 sows at the same time, with a TPS of 6399 pcs/s and an RT of 643 ms.

71 Growth and reproductive responses to gonadotropins in gilts fed on ad libitum (AD) or restricted (RS) bases using an electronic sow feeder (ESF)

Abstract Previous work in our laboratory showed that age at puberty was similar for replacement gilts fed on either RS or AD bases using an ESF. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of feeding (RS vs. AD) on growth and sexual development in gilts treated with gonadotropins (P.G. 600; Merck Animal Health, Rahway, NJ). Prepubertal crossbred gilts were moved at 150 d of age to an open pen with an ESF (ACCUTEAM, Osborne Industries, Osborne, KS) located in an environmentally controlled, curtain-sided building. A 10-d training period to the ESF ensued, during which all gilts received feed on AD basis. At 160 d of age, gilts were allocated to treatments in a 2-by-2 factorial design. Treatments were RS plus P.G. 600 (n = 9), RS without P.G. 600 (n = 10), AD plus P.G. 600 (n = 8), or AD without P.G. 600 (n = 8). The P.G. 600 treatment was administered at 170 d of age. Estrus detection commenced at d 171 and continued for 32 d. Puberty onset was not affected by feeding basis (P = 0.85), P.G. 600 (P = 0.56), or feeding basis x P.G. 600 (P = 0.25). Time in estrus and body weight (BW) at puberty were also similar between treatments. Estrous cycle length was shorter (P &amp;lt; 0.01, 20.0 vs. 21.2 d, SE = 0.54) for RS compared with AD gilts. Bodyweights throughout the trial were similar between treatments but were affected by day (P &amp;lt; 0.01), typical of growing gilts. Feed disappearance was affected by feeding basis (P &amp;lt; 0.01, 2.30 vs. 4.54 kg/d, SE = 0.03 for RS and AD, respectively) and day (P &amp;lt; 0.01). For pubertal gilts, gain to feed ratio was improved (P &amp;lt; 0.01, 0.29 vs. 0.21, SE = 0.03) in RS compared with AD gilts, but average daily gain (ADG) was greater in AD gilts (P = 0.05, 0.75 vs 0.88 kg/d, SE = 0.09). Data were normalized for the 20-d period before second estrus. Feed disappearance was affected by feeding basis x day, and decreased in AD, but not RS gilts, as gilts approached estrus (P = 0.04). Feeding visits (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and feeding visit duration (P &amp;lt; 0.01) were affected by feeding basis with AD gilts consuming feed more frequently and spending less time eating per visit. In this study, RS feeding did not delay, and P.G. 600 did not hasten puberty onset. Moreover, RS gilts grew slower but were more feed efficient than AD gilts. We continue to find that employment of an ESF may support current estrus detection methods by monitoring feeding behavior in AD-fed gilts.

42 Group sow housing considerations for improved survival and productivity

Abstract Group sow housing considerations for improved survival and productivity. The Australian pork industry decided in 2010 to voluntarily phase out stall housing for pregnant sows by 2017. The change was supported by extensive R&amp;D by the Pork CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork and the time line was brought forward by two major retailers in Australia. For 85 to 90% of producers the transition was complete by 2019-2020 and sows were grouped at weaning or straight after mating. I reviewed the pertinent literature, interviewed many producers on what is required to make group housing successful for the sow and the producer and looked at trend from an Australian bench making project in some aspects of reproduction and sow mortality from 2006 to 2020. The research showed sows adapt to grouping and exhibit reduced aggressive behaviors, injuries and plasma indicators of stress within 4 to 5 d after mixing. During this period, it was all about space at mixing, grouping sows based on size/parity, ensuring they all receive adequate feed and familiarization with group housing by the sow and staff. Producers said it is all about ensuring sows are grouped on size/parity, feeding with many using ad libitum feeding for the week after mixing, space with a preference between 1.8 and 2.2 m2, flooring (slats preferred) and minimizing mixing events. Producers were split on the use of drop feeding and electronic sow feeders with opinions very divided. For drop feeding the preferred housing system comprised full length feeding stalls without a back gate. All producers said they would not go back to stalls. Most producers experienced a decline in farrowing rate and increased lameness during the transition. However, reproduction improved over time and sow mortality decreased. If the top 4 to 5 factors affecting aggressiveness and overall welfare are followed, group housing sows improves their welfare and does not reduce their reproductive performance or longevity. Detection of estrus can be more difficult in groups and a number of Australian producers have implemented the use of satiety blocks during the first 2 and last 2 wk of gestation to further improve welfare and meet retailer requirements. Mating in groups (not stalls) has also been reported to improve reproduction.

14 Effects of increasing daily dietary standardized ileal digestible lysine intake of gilts and sows during d 35 to 112 of gestation on reproductive performance

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of increasing daily dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) intake during d 35 to 112 of gestation on sow and litter performance. A total of 704 gilts and sows (PIC Camborough) were used. Females were group-housed after d 35 of gestation and individually fed with electronic sow feeders (ESF). At d 35 of gestation, females were balanced for body weight (BW) and caliper scores within parity categories, and randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments. Treatments consisted of increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake (11.1, 13.5, 16.1, and 18.5 g/d). Both gilts and sows received 2.37 kg/d of a gestation diet containing 3.17 Mcal of ME/kg, which was estimated to avoid feeding females below their maintenance requirements throughout the entire gestation. Treatments were achieved by different blend of low (0.47% SID Lys) and high (0.78% SID Lys) Lys diets via ESF based on the set feed allowance for females. Sow was the experimental unit and data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the lmer and glmerfunctions of R, considering treatment, parity, and their interaction as fixed effects. There was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.10) of treatment and parity interaction for any response criteria. Body weight at d 112 of gestation and BW change from d 35 to 112 of gestation increased (linear; P &amp;lt; 0.05) with increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake (Table 1). No evidence for SID Lys treatment differences were observed for BW at weaning or BW change during lactation (P &amp;gt; 0.10). There was no evidence (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for treatment differences on caliper score (CS) at d 35 of gestation, d 112 of gestation, at weaning, or CS changes during gestation and lactation. There was no evidence for treatment difference on total born, percentage stillbirth and percentage of mummified fetuses (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, there was a marginal reduction in percentage born alive piglets (quadratic, P = 0.056), with the least proportion of piglets born alive observed in females receiving 16.1g of daily SID Lys intake from d35 to d112 of gestation. Increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake during d 35 to 112 of gestation did not affect piglet birth weight, piglet average daily gain during lactation, proportion of removed pigs, and proportion of dead pigs during lactation. In summary, increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake during d35-to-112 of gestation increased female BW; however, no evidence of benefits was observed for female reproductive performance and litter performance during lactation.

304 What does Prop 12 mean for the swine industry

Abstract California’s Proposition 12, also known as the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative, has been fully implemented as of January 1st, 2024. This measure regulates the minimum space requirements for egg-laying hens, dairy calves raised for veal, and breeding pigs in order for the associated products to be sold within the state of California. Suppliers of these covered products need to be accredited by specific, third-party certifying agents to be certified as ‘Prop 12 compliant’. For the swine industry, the spotlight is on the housing of any female breeding pig over the age of 6 mo. These animals must be in an enclosure that allows them to lie down, stand up, turn around, and fully extend their limbs without touching the sides of their stalls or another animal (24 square feet of floor space per animal). These regulations also limit the duration of time producers can house animals in closed crates before farrowing to 5 d. While these housing regulations do not apply during the nursing phase, research contexts, during veterinary treatment or immediately before slaughter, they do apply in the post-weaning phase. This means that the animals cannot be confined for heat-checking or breeding to be considered ‘Prop 12 compliant’. These housing standards have no minimum herd size and apply to those in commercial or private farms if there will be products produced and sold. With any change to the standard operating procedures of animal husbandry, there will be some growing pains. These issues can be addressed when considerations are given to the group composition (age and size of sows), pen mixing practices (pre or post breeding), feeding schedule [collective (trough, floor fed) or individual (electronic sow feeding, free access stalls)], and, pen structural quality (flooring, enrichment). This measure will have considerable economic and ethical implications related to barn renovations, animal care staff training, and husbandry practices for the swine industry.

PSXI-13 Growth and Onset of Puberty in Replacement Gilts Fed on Ad Libitum Or Restricted Bases Using an Electronic Sow Feeder

Abstract Replacement gilts are typically fed on an ad libitum basis until approximately 135 kg BW at approximately 200 d of age and are bred between 135 and 160 kg BW during their second estrus. The shift to group-housing of the breeding herd makes it difficult to manage animals individually. Thus, utilization of an electronic sow feeder (ESF) enables caretakers to manage animals individually in group-housing situations, by allotting predetermined amounts of feed. The objective was to determine the effect of feeding level on growth and sexual development in gilts. Crossbred gilts, assumed prepubertal, were moved at 150 d of age to an open pen measuring 44.3 m2 located in a curtain-sided building with partially slatted concrete floors and an ESF (ACCUTEAM, Osborne Industries, Osborne, KS). Gilts were acclimated to the ESF during a 10-d period, during which they received feed on an ad libitum basis. At 160 d of age, gilts were randomly assigned to receive feed on either an ad libitum (AD, n = 18) or restricted (2.73 kg/d; RS, n = 19) basis. Estrus detection was performed for 42 d. Feeding level had no effect on age at puberty (P = 0.23). The pubertal estrus length was similar between treatments (P = 0.23); however, AD gilts exhibited a longer second estrus period (P = 0.05) compared with RS gilts (37.6 vs 30.8 h, SE = 3.6). Estrous cycle length was not affected (P = 0.72) by feeding level. There were no effects of feeding level (P = 0.36) or feeding level x day (P = 0.53) on BW; however, there was an effect of day (P &amp;lt; 0.01), indicative of growing gilts. Feed disappearance was affected by feeding level (P &amp;lt; 0.01, 4.25 vs. 2.68 kg/d, SE = 0.05 for AD and RS, respectively), day (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and feeding level x day (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Total station visits were affected by feeding level x day (P = 0.05). Non-feeding visits were affected by feeding level (P &amp;lt; 0.01, 1.0 vs. 3.7, SE = 0.22) and day (P &amp;lt; 0.01) but not feeding level x day (P = 0.20). Feeding visits were affected by feeding level x day (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Data were then normalized to the 20-d period before second estrus. Feed disappearance was affected by feeding level x day (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with feed disappearance decreasing in AD, but not RS, gilts as they approached estrus. During this 20-d period, BW was affected by feeding level x day (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with AD gilts having improved growth compared with RS gilts. In this study, feeding level did not affect age at puberty; however, utilizing an ESF may augment current estrus detection methods by monitoring feeding behavior.

Development of a Precision Feeding System with Hierarchical Control for Gestation Units Using Stalls

To obtain good productive performance, sows have different nutrition requirements at different gestation periods. However, in gestation stalls, conventional feeders have large relative errors, management is difficult because of the large numbers of sows, and there are shortcomings in feeding precision and data management. In order to achieve precision feeding and enhance the control of multiple feeders for gestating sows housed in stalls, this study was carried out to investigate a precision feeding system that could be controlled at multiple levels. This system consisted of an electronic sow feeder (ESF), controller area network (CAN), personal digital assistant (PDA), central controller, and Internet of Things platform (IoTP). The results of the experiment showed that relative errors of 60 ESFs delivering feed were within ±2.94%, and the coefficient of variation was less than 1.84%. When the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) ranged from −80 dbm to −70 dbm, the packet loss rate of the PDA was 3.425%. When the RSSI was greater than −70 dbm, no packet loss was observed, and the average response time was 556.05 ms. The IoTP was at the performance bottleneck when the number of concurrent threads was greater than 1700. These experimental results indicated that the system was not only highly accurate in delivering feed, but was also highly reliable in the transmission of information, and therefore met the production requirements of an intensive gestation house.

Are infrared thermography, feeding behavior, and heart rate variability measures capable of characterizing group-housed sow social hierarchies?

Group gestation housing is quickly becoming standard practice in commercial swine production. However, poor performance and welfare in group housed sows may result from the formation and maintenance of the social hierarchy within the pen. In the future, the ability to quickly characterize the social hierarchy via precision technologies could be beneficial to producers for identifying animals at risk of poor welfare outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the use of infrared thermography (IRT), automated electronic sow feeding systems, and heart rate monitors as potential technologies for detecting the social hierarchy within five groups of sows. Behavioral data collection occurred for 12 h after introducing five sow groups (1-5; n = 14, 12, 15, 15, and 17, respectively) to group gestation housing to determine the social hierarchy and allocate individual sows to 1 of 4 rank quartiles (RQ 1-4). Sows within RQ1 were ranked highest while RQ4 sows were ranked lowest within the hierarchy. Infrared thermal images were taken behind the neck at the base of the ear of each sow on days 3, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 105 of the experiment. Two electronic sow feeders tracked feeding behavior throughout the gestation period. Heart rate monitors were worn by 10 randomly selected sows per repetition for 1 h prior to and 4 h after reintroduction to group gestation housing to collect heart rate variability (HRV). No differences were found between RQ for any IRT characteristic. Sows within RQ3 and RQ4 had the greatest number of visits to the electronic sow feeders overall (P < 0.04) but spent shorter time per visit in feeders (P < 0.05) than RQ1 and RQ2 sows. There was an interaction of RQ with hour for feed offered (P = 0.0003), with differences between RQ occurring in hour 0, 1, 2, and 8. Higher-ranked sows (RQ1 and RQ2) occupied the feeder for longer during the first hour than lower ranking sows (RQ3 and RQ4; P < 0.04), while RQ3 sows occupied the feeder longer than RQ1 sows during hour 6, 7, and 8 (P < 0.02). Heart beat interval (RR) collected prior to group housing introduction differed between RQ (P < 0.02 for all), with RQ3 sows exhibiting the lowest RR, followed by RQ4, RQ1, and RQ2. Rank quartile also affected standard deviation of RR (P = 0.0043), with RQ4 sows having the lowest, followed by RQ1, RQ3, and RQ2 sows. Overall, these results indicate that feeding behavior and HRV measures may be capable of characterizing social hierarchy in a group housing system.

Management factors affecting gestating sows' welfare in group housing systems - A review.

Public concern on the methods of raising food-producing animals has increased, especially in the last two decades, leading to voluntary and mandated changes in the animal production methods. The primary objective of these changes is to improve the welfare of farm animals. The use of gestational stalls is currently a major welfare issue in swine production. Several studies assessed the welfare of alternative housing systems for gestating sows. A comparative study was performed with gestating sows housed in either individual stalls or in groups in a pen with an electronic sow feeder. This review assessed the welfare of each housing system using physiological, behavioral, and reproductive performance criteria. The current review identified clear advantages and disadvantages of each housing system. Individual stall housing allowed each sow to be given an individually tailored diet without competition, but the sows had behavioral restrictions and showed stereotypical behaviors (e.g., bar biting, nosing, palate grinding, etc.). Group-housed sows had increased opportunities to display such behavior (e.g., ability to move around and social interactions); however, a higher prevalence of aggressive behavior, especially first mixing in static group type, caused a negative impact on longevity (more body lesions, scratch and bite injuries, and lameness, especially in subordinate sows). Conclusively, a more segmented and diversified welfare assessment could be beneficial for a precise evaluation of each housing system for sows. Further efforts should be made to reduce aggression-driven injuries and design housing systems (feeding regimen, floor, bedding, etc.) to improve the welfare of group-housed sows.

254 Effects of Increasing Daily Dietary Standardized Ileal Digestible Lysine Intake of Gilts and Sows During day 35-to-112 of Gestation on Reproductive Performance

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of increasing daily dietary standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys) intake during d35-to-112 of gestation on sow and litter performance. A total of 583 gilts and sows (PIC Camborough) were used. Females were group-housed after d35 of gestation and individually fed with electronic sow feeders (ESF). At d35 of gestation, females were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments that were balanced for body weight (BW) and caliper scores (CS) within parity categories. Treatments consisted of increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake (11.1, 13.5, 16.1, and 18.5 g/d). Both gilts and sows received 1.85 kg/d of a gestation diet containing 2.38 Mcal of NE/kg. Treatments were achieved by different blends of low (0.60% SID Lys) and high (1.00% SID Lys) Lys diets via ESF. Sow was the experimental unit and data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the lmer and glmer functions of R. Body weight and CS at d112 of gestation increased (linear, P&amp;lt; 0.05) with increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake. There was no evidence for treatment difference on d112 backfat depth (BD), or changes of BW, CS, and BD during lactation. There was no evidence for treatment difference on total born, percentage born alive and stillbirth, but there was a marginal reduction (linear, P=0.086) on mummified fetuses. Increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake during d35-to-112 of gestation did not affect piglet birth weight, percentage of piglets born with less than 900g, pre-weaning mortality, or piglet average daily gain. In summary, increasing daily dietary SID Lys intake during d35-to-112 of gestation increased female BW and CS, without changing BD, indicating that more lean tissue had been deposited. However, there was no evidence for treatment differences on reproductive performance.

274 Effects of Feeding Levels in Early Gestation on PIC Camborough Sows and Litter Performance

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of increasing feeding levels for PIC Camborough sows during early gestation on sow and litter performance. A total of 636 sows (PIC Camborough) were randomly assigned at weaning to 1 of 4 treatments that were balanced for weight and caliper scores within parity categories. Treatments consisted of feeding sows with daily feed allowances to meet 85, 115, 145, or 175% of the NRC (2012) maintenance metabolizable energy (MEm) requirement calculated as MEm, kcal/d = 100 × (body weight, kg)0.75. A common corn-soybean meal-distillers dried grains with solubles-based diet with 3,092 kcal of ME/kg and 0.64% standardized ileal digestible lysine was used. Treatments were applied from d 6 to 35 of gestation, after which sows were moved to gestation pens and fed according to body condition through an electronic sow feeder until moved to the farrowing room. Sow was the experimental unit and data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models with the lmer and glmer functions of R. On average, females were ideal condition at weaning across treatment as determined by the caliper scores. Average feed allowances were 1.6, 2.1, 2.6, and 3.2 kg/day for the 85, 115, 145, and 175% treatments, respectively. Increasing feed allowances reduced (linear, P&amp;lt; 0.05) body weight loss (-13.8, -10.3, -4.7 and -0.5 kg, respectively) and increased caliper score gain (-0.43, -0.03, 0.64, 0.76 units, respectively) from weaning to d 35 of gestation. There was no evidence for treatment effects on farrowing rate, total born, stillborn rate, average litter weight, piglet throughput, or subsequent reproductive performance. In summary, increasing feed allowances to meet 85 to 175% of the MEm requirements during early gestation on Camborough sows resulted in a reduction in body weight loss and an improvement in caliper gain until d 35 of gestation without evidence of impact in reproductive performance.

22. Gilts and sows adapt feed intake and feeding behaviour differently when moved into dynamic groups with electronic sow feeders

22. Gilts and sows adapt feed intake and feeding behaviour differently when moved into dynamic groups with electronic sow feeders

23. Reducing group size in electronic sow feeder gestation pens reduced skin injuries and improved reproductive outcomes of sows mated in summer

23. Reducing group size in electronic sow feeder gestation pens reduced skin injuries and improved reproductive outcomes of sows mated in summer

The effects of precisely meeting estimated daily energy and lysine requirements for gestating sows over three consecutive pregnancies on sow reproductive and lactation performance.

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of precisely meeting estimated daily energy and Lys requirements for gestating sows over three consecutive pregnancies on sow reproductive and lactation performance. A total of 105 sows (initial reproductive cycle 1.4 ± 0.5) were randomly assigned to a precision (PF; n = 50) or control (CON; n = 55) feeding program between days 2 and 9 of gestation and housed in group-pens equipped with electronic sow feeders capable of blending two diets. The PF sows received unique daily blends of two isocaloric diets (2518 kcal/kg NE; 0.80% and 0.20% standardized ileal digestible [SID] Lys, respectively), whereas CON sows received a static blend throughout gestation to achieve 0.56% SID Lys. After weaning, sows were re-bred and entered the same feeding program as in the previous pregnancy for two subsequent pregnancy cycles (PF: n = 36; CON: n = 37; average reproductive cycle: 2.4 ± 0.5; PF: n = 25; CON: n = 24; average reproductive cycle: 3.5 ± 0.5). Sows on the PF program received 97%, 105%, and 118% (average over three pregnancy cycles) of dietary energy and 67%, 79%, and 106% of SID Lys intakes compared to CON between days 5 and 37, 38 and 72, and 73 and 108 of gestation, respectively. Estimated N (26.1%) retention did not differ between gestation feeding programs in any pregnancy, but excess N excretion was less (1617 vs. 1750 ± 54 g/sow; P < 0.01) for PF vs. CON sows. Regardless of pregnancy cycle, sows that received the PF program had greater ADG between days 38 and 72 (614 vs. 518 ± 63 g/d; P < 0.05) and between days 73 and 108 (719 vs. 618 ± 94 g/d; P = 0.063) of gestation, and greater loin depth gain between days 63 and 110 of gestation (0.7 vs. −1.1 ± 1.6 mm; P < 0.05), but BW (235.1 kg) and backfat (17.8 mm) and loin (70.5 mm) depths on day 110 of gestation did not differ. The number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummified, and litter birth weight (16.5 kg) did not differ in any pregnancy cycle, nor did piglet ADG during lactation (250 g/d) and piglet BW (6.7 kg) at weaning. Sows that received the PF program during gestation had lower ADFI during lactation (5.7 vs. 6.2 ± 0.2 kg; P < 0.01). Therefore, using feeding programs that precisely match estimated daily energy and Lys requirements for gestating sows provides the opportunity to reduce N losses to the environment and reduce lactation feed usage, without negatively affecting sow reproductive and lactation performance.

Identifying Risk Factors for Low Piglet Birth Weight, High Within-Litter Variation and Occurrence of Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Piglets in Hyperprolific Sows

Simple SummaryPiglet mortality is an ongoing concern for pig production worldwide. Piglets that have a low piglet birth weight (PBW), suffer from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or are born from litters with a high within-litter variation in PBW (CVPBW) have an increased risk of dying before weaning. IUGR piglets, CVPBW and a low PBW might be connected by the same risk factors, and in order to optimize fetal development in the litter, these risk factors should be identified. Free-access stall feeding, floor feeding and electronic sow feeding systems are commonly used feeding systems for gestating sows in Denmark. These systems differ in several points, including in sow competition at feeding. The nutritional status of the sow is important for fetal development, and so the feeding method during gestation is also expected to affect such development. Of the risk factors identified in this study, increasing litter size was considered the most critical. Only small differences were found between the feeding systems and these differed amongst groups. The results should inspire further investigation of those risk factors to clarify causes of the observed effects and what drives individual herd differences.This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting PBW, high CVPBW and the occurrence of IUGR piglets in 12 commercial Danish herds with hyperprolific sows using free-access stalls, floor or electronic sow feeding systems in the gestation unit. The following factors were investigated: the duration of previous lactation, the length of the interval from weaning to insemination, the length of gestation, litter size, parity, sow backfat thickness in late gestation and the type of feeding system in the gestation unit. The study included newborn piglets from 452 litters with the following production indicator averages: 21.3 piglets/L, 1235 g PBW, 22.9% CVPBW and 10.9% and 11.8% within-litter occurrence of severe and mild IUGR piglets, respectively. Increasing length of weaning-to-insemination interval decreased PBW by 25.8 g/day. For 2nd to 9th parity sows, each additional piglet in the litter increased CVPBW by 0.38%, the occurrence of severe IUGR piglets by 0.68% and mild IUGR piglets by 0.50%. Sows of 5th parity and older had a 1.39% higher CVPBW and 49.1 g lighter piglets compared with sows of 2nd to 4th parity. PBW was lower in one ESF herd, suggesting complex interactions that need to be further elucidated. The main critical risk factor observed was litter size.

A Comparison of the Behavior, Physiology, and Offspring Resilience of Gestating Sows When Raised in a Group Housing System and Individual Stalls.

Simple SummaryThe housing patterns of gestating sows affect their health and welfare. In this study, the differences between behavior and stress hormone levels were assessed when sows were housed in a group housing system compared to individual stalls; in addition, the disease resistance and resilience of their piglets were compared. In our investigation, the group-housed sows showed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, less sitting behavior, and lower stress hormone levels throughout pregnancy. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection test revealed that the offspring of group-housed sows showed better resistance and resilience to disease. Therefore, the gestating sows raised in a group housing system and their piglets are healthier and have improved welfare. Our results show that a group housing system provides higher welfare standards, with conditions that are more suitable for gestating sows in modern pig production.Being in a confined environment causes chronic stress in gestating sows, which is detrimental for sow health, welfare and, consequently, offspring physiology. This study assessed the health and welfare of gestating sows housed in a group housing system compared to individual gestation stalls. After pregnancy was confirmed, experimental sows were divided randomly into two groups: the group housing system (GS), with the electronic sow feeding (ESF) system; or individual stall (IS). The behavior of sows housed in the GS or IS was then compared; throughout pregnancy, GS sows displayed more exploratory behavior, less vacuum chewing, and less sitting behavior (p < 0.05). IS sows showed higher stress hormone levels than GS sows. In particular, at 41 days of gestation, the concentration of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and adrenaline (A) in IS sows was significantly higher than that of GS sows, and the A level of IS sows remained significantly higher at 71 days of gestation (p < 0.01). The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) test was carried out in the weaned piglets of the studied sows. Compared with the offspring of gestating sows housed in GS (PG) or IS (PS), PG experienced a shorter period of high temperature and showed a quicker return to the normal state (p < 0.05). Additionally, their lower levels of stress hormone (p < 0.01) suggest that PG did not suffer from as much stress as PS. These findings suggested that gestating sows housed in GS were more able to carry out their natural behaviors and, therefore, had lower levels of stress and improved welfare. In addition, PG also showed better disease resistance and resilience. These results will provide a research basis for the welfare and breeding of gestating sows.

Effects of increasing standardized ileal digestible lysine during gestation on reproductive performance of gilts and sows

Limited information is available on lysine requirement estimates of modern, high-producing gestating sows Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine during gestation on piglet birthweight and reproductive performance of gilts and sows. A total of 936 females (498 gilts, 438 sows; Camborough®, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were group-housed (approximately 275 females per pen) and individually fed with electronic sow feeders. Females were moved from the breeding stall to pens on d 4 of gestation and allotted to one of four dietary treatments on d 5. Dietary treatments included increasing SID lysine intake (11.0, 13.5, 16.0, and 18.5 g/d). Gilts (parity 1) and sows (parity 2+) received 2.1 and 2.3 kg (22.2 and 24.3 MJ net energy per day) of feed throughout the entire gestation period, respectively. Dietary treatments were achieved by different blends of low (0.48% SID lysine) and high (0.88% SID lysine) lysine diets, prepared by changing the amount of corn and soybean meal in these two diets. Female weight and backfat were recorded on d 4 and 111 of gestation. Individual piglet weight was obtained within 12 h of birth on litters from 895 females. Final weight, and calculated maternal BW, body lipid, and body lean at d 111 of gestation increased (linear, P < 0.01) for gilts and sows as SID lysine increased. There was no evidence for differences in final backfat depth. Average total born for gilts and sows was 15.3 and 16.0 pigs with no evidence for differences among treatments. The percentage of pigs born alive increased (P = 0.01) with increasing SID lysine intake for sows, but not in gilts as a result of a treatment by parity group interaction (P = 0.04) for percentage of stillborn pigs. Increasing SID lysine intake during gestation did not affect the percentage of mummified fetuses, total born, or birthweight of piglets born alive in this study. In addition, increasing SID lysine intake during gestation did not affect subsequent reproductive performance. In conclusion, increasing dietary SID lysine intake in gestation increased female BW, without changing backfat depth. The minimal effects on female reproductive performance and piglet birthweight suggest that 11 g/day of SID lysine intake appears to be adequate for gestating gilts and sows; however, providing sows with 18.5 g/d SID lysine reduced (P = 0.01) stillbirth rate by 2.3 percentage points.

284 Prop 12 and Its Implications for Future On-farm Animal Welfare in the United States

Abstract California’s Proposition 12, also known as the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative, will go into full effect starting in January 2022. This measure changes the minimum space requirement for egg-laying hens, calves raised for veal, and breeding sows within the state of California. These changes include housing that provides 1 to 1.5 square feet of floor space per hen within a cage-free system, 43 square feet of floor space per veal calf, and 24 square feet of floor space per sow. In addition, Proposition 12 would require producers to move the sows from gestation pens into farrowing crates for a maximum of 5 days before they are due to farrow. This measure also prohibits producers outside of California from importing their eggs, veal, or pork into the state unless they meet these minimum housing requirements. The goal of these requirements is to ensure that they animal can lie down, stand up, turn around, and fully extend their limbs without touching the sides of their stalls or another animal. While the intent of this new housing requirement may allow for a greater freedom of movement, animal welfare concerns are still prominent for group housing. For breeding sow, such concerns include injuries caused by social aggression, and, abnormal or harmful behaviors related to feed restriction. These welfare concerns can be addressed when considerations are given to the group composition (e.g., age and size of sows), pen mixing practices (e.g., pre or post breeding), feeding schedule [e.g., collective (trough, floor fed) or individual (electronic sow feeding, free access stalls)], and, pen structural quality (e.g., flooring, enrichment). Given that California represents approximately 15 percent of the American pork market, this measure will have considerable economic and ethical implications related to barn renovations, animal care staff training, and husbandry practices for the entire U.S. pork industry.